PFAS

For years, Washtenaw County’s relationship with the "forever chemicals" known as PFAS has centered on massive industrial pollution along the Huron River, like the Tribar industrial spill upstream. Yet, a two-year, proactive study by the Multi Lake Water and Sewer Authority entirely flips that script, revealing that the low-level PFAS consistently detected in local wastewater isn’t a corporate spill—it's coming from everyday consumer products used inside Dexter and Lyndon Township homes. Rebekah Warren discussed the study and what actions may come from it with Daniel Brown, climate resilient specialist and emerging contaminant for the Huron River Watershed Council.

PFAS. Few environmental issues have affected Michigan communities more directly than these so-called "forever chemicals," which have been found in our waterways, groundwater, and drinking water systems across the state. In her first segment as host of "Issues of the Environment," Rebekah Warren was joined by U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan. They discussed what local and national actions have been taken and what is needed to prevent further PFAS contamination.

The Huron River Watershed Council is holding a public meeting to discuss PFAS being detected in Dexter-area wastewater. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the details.

The Willow Run Airport is among those dealing with PFAS contamination. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy has placed the airport within the state’s environmental mitigation efforts tied to aviation contamination. Willow Run will get a $250,000 grant to test and monitor for current pollution and to control or reduce additional contamination and to evaluate clean-up strategies. WEMU's David Fair spoke with EGLE Senior Geologist Eric Larson about the problem and potential solutions to aviation PFAS contamination at Willow Run and around the state.

While we ring in the New Year, 2026 will see a continuation of many of the same environmental issues we experienced through 2025. But this year is also a mid-term election year, and that could further complicate issues. 48th District State Representative Jennifer Conlin discusses what may come in 2026. The Ann Arbor Democrat joined WEMU's David Fair and co-host Lisa Wozniak to explore current and new challenges.

The Ypsilanti City Council is expected to weigh in tonight on the U-M/Los Alamos facility proposed for Ypsilanti Township. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

The Michigan Attorney General has filed a civil lawsuit against a Wixom-based automotive supplier for allegedly continuing to release harmful chemicals into the Huron River after multiple violations. WEMU's David Fair checked in with Huron River Watershed Council Climate Resilience Strategist, Daniel Brown. They discuss the lawsuit and the ongoing impacts to the health of the Huron River.

Legislative Democrats rolled out bills Monday to toughen Michigan’s pollution cleanup standards and force businesses that caused contamination to foot the bill even if it happened decades ago. Rick Pluta reports.

State officials are furthering their investigation of a PFAS contamination site discovered in Scio Township to determine its central cause. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

14th District State Senator Sue Shink is taking aim at a lack of transparency when it comes to so-called "forever chemicals." The Northfield Township Democrat is pushing for the Michigan Legislature to require consumer products with PFAS have a warning label. Senator Shink provided details of what she wants to see on this week's "Issues of the Environment" with WEMU's David Fair.